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SM malls in Sangandaan, Grand Central, and Valenzuela reinforced their commitment to disaster preparedness by joining the 2nd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) held on Thursday morning. The drill was staged before regular mall hours to ensure the safety of tenants and employees while maintaining uninterrupted mall operations.
At exactly 9:00 a.m., a loud siren echoed through SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela, signaling the start of the nationwide exercise. Tenants and employees immediately followed standard protocols, executing the “duck, cover, and hold” maneuver in response to the simulated 7.2 magnitude earthquake.
The earthquake drill went beyond routine exercises, incorporating evacuation and rescue simulations designed to test the capabilities of each mall’s Emergency Response Group (ERG). These included first aid response and complex rescue scenarios to ensure swift, coordinated action in the event of a real disaster.
Each mall also conducted refresher training on earthquake preparedness for staff, tenants, and affiliates. Sessions covered worst-case scenarios, evacuation routes, and basic life-saving techniques, strengthening the culture of readiness across all departments.
With the increasing frequency of seismic events in the region, the earthquake drill forms part of SM’s broader commitment to safety and resilience in partnership with Local Government and National agencies.
